2017 Seat Leon update – all you need to know

The Seat Leon has been updated for the 2017 model year; here’s what you need to know about the latest version of this Ford Focus rival...

Jimi Beckwith

19 October 2016

The Seat Leon will receive a host of updates for 2017. The updated version of Seat’s rival for the Ford Focus, Renault Megane and Skoda Octavia features subtly tweaked styling, new engines and lots of technology upgrades.

What is it?

The Leon is Seat’s mid-sized hatchback. Having been launched in 2012, the current Leon has been given its mid-life refresh before the next-generation model launches in a few years' time.

Traditionally, the Leon has been positioned as a more young buyer-oriented sibling to the Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia. This updated model aims to expand upon this, while appealing to a broader audience with a widened range of specs and engines.

What engines can I choose from?

New to the Leon in its facelifted guise is a 1.0-litre petrol engine with 113bhp. It’s the same engine which features in the Volkswagen Golf 1.0 Bluemotion, so it should be the most frugal non-diesel unit in the range.

A new 1.6-litre diesel with 113bhp has also been added to the Leon line-up. No CO2 emissions or fuel economy figures have been released for these two engines yet, but they’re both likely to be the engines to aim for if you want low running costs.

The rest of the engine line-up remains the same as the current model, ranging from a 1.2-litre petrol up to 2.0-litre diesel and petrol units - including a hot 290bhp version at the top end of the range.

What’s it like on the inside?

The Leon’s handbrake has been replaced with an electric parking brake switch, and on higher-spec cars there’s also a ‘connectivity box’ with wireless smartphone charging.

Some of the Leon’s interior trim has been swapped out for higher-quality pieces, and the touchscreen infotainment display has been enlarged from 6.5in up to 8.0in on all cars but the entry-level S trim. The larger screens mean there will now be fewer buttons on the dashboard.

What equipment does it come with?

When the updated Leon launch in January, there’ll be five trim levels to choose from, as well as a new top-spec level. Entry-level cars are badged S, moving up to SE Dynamic, SE, Technology, FR and new Xcellence.

Xcellence serves as a luxurious alternative to sporty sub-Cupra FR spec, and aims for a premium feel, with standard interior ambient lighting, keyless entry and go, upgraded upholstery and LED rear indicators. Full prices and specs will be revealed closer to the car’s launch in January.

How much will it cost?

Seat has insisted that the pricing for the facelifted Leon will remain around the same as the current model, so an entry-level price of around £18,000 is expected.

The car will launch in global markets in January, but a Seat spokesman revealed that the manufacturer may tweak this for the UK to coincide with the change to ’17 numberplates in March of next year.